Anatomical features of a rayless woody xerophyte Haloxylon ammodendron

摘要

The wood anatomy of Haloxylon ammodendron was described and illustrated in detail. There were no distinct growth ring boundaries and rays were absent. Included phloem of foraminate type was distinct. Perforation plate was simple. The wood had fine alternate intervessel pitting which was sometimes vestured. The non-septate fibres had simple to bordered pits. Axial parenchyma was abundantly present. Some narrow vessel elements showed helical thickenings. The variation of vessel element and fibre lengthwith distance from pith to bark was irregular. The relationships between anatomical features of rayless xerophytes and adaptability to desert environments were discussed.